FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi made a triumphant return after a lengthy absence, shining with two goals and an assist to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

The Argentine superstar and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had been absent from Inter Miami’s lineup since June 1 due to national team commitments and a right ankle injury sustained in the Copa America final on July 14.

“A bit fatigued from the heat and humidity of Miami, but I was eager to return after such a long absence,” Messi said in Spanish on the Apple TV broadcast post-game. “I rejoined training with the team and started feeling better.”

Messi, who resumed training three weeks ago, displayed no signs of rust or injury with his stellar performance. He netted two goals in a four-minute span in the first half, erasing an early goal by Philadelphia.

“What he did tonight was extraordinary,” said Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino. “I am pleased that he completed the full 90 minutes. He felt great.”

In Messi’s absence, Miami had a strong record of 8-2 and secured a spot in the MLS playoffs, now leading the Supporters Shield table with 62 points.

“It’s amazing to see him back at his best after recovering from the injury,” Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel remarked.

Luis Suárez contributed with an assist and sealed Miami’s victory with a goal on Messi’s assist during stoppage time in the second half, marking Suárez’s 17th goal of the season.

Messi’s first goal in the 26th minute leveled the score at 1-1. Suárez provided a quick pass inside the box, allowing Messi to outplay Union defender Kai Wagner and score a brilliant shot inside the left post.

Four minutes later, Messi received a pass in the box and beat Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick with a sublime 15-yard shot.

Suárez had a goal disallowed in the 44th minute after a video review ruled an offside offense.

“As the game progressed, we were at risk of losing control, but in the final 30 minutes of the first half, we managed it better,” Martino commented.

In the 67th minute, Messi’s ankle was challenged by Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan in a midfield tussle. Messi briefly felt the blow but continued playing after a quick recovery. Yellow cards were issued to Sullivan and Martino for the incident.

Philadelphia pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but Messi’s delivery to Suárez led to a goal from 18 yards, securing Miami’s win.

Prior to his absence, the 37-year-old Messi had amassed 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 league matches this season.

Fans were left in awe as Union forward Mikael Uhre scored just two minutes into the match, catching the home crowd off guard.

Inter Miami’s victory came with a cost, as defender David Martinez exited early in the first half due to a groin injury, and his replacement Noah Allen was also substituted following a head injury.

“We need to monitor their recovery and assess their condition day by day,” Martino added.

Both teams will continue league play with away matches on Wednesday, as Inter Miami faces Atlanta on Tuesday while the Union play New York City FC on Tuesday.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer